‘Indigenous Defence’: Govt Greenlights Rs 54,000 Crore Purchases Of India-Made Military Hardware

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved eight proposals worth over ₹54,000 crore on Thursday.

The approvals include new engines for T-90 tanks, anti-submarine torpedoes for the Navy, and Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft Systems for the Air Force.

The council granted ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) for upgrading the Army’s T-90 tanks with 1350 HP engines, replacing the existing 1000 HP ones.

This upgrade will improve the tanks’ mobility, especially in high-altitude areas, by increasing the power-to-weight ratio.

The DAC also approved the purchase of indigenously developed Varunastra Torpedoes (Combat) for the Indian Navy.

These ship-launched torpedoes, developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, will strengthen the Navy’s ability to counter submarine threats.

The Indian Air Force will acquire new AEW&C Aircraft Systems.

These advanced systems will enhance the Air Force’s ability to monitor and respond to threats, significantly boosting overall combat capability.

As part of the ‘Year of Reforms’ in 2025, the DAC approved guidelines to shorten timelines at various stages of the Capital Acquisition Process, making defence procurement faster and more efficient.

Rajnath Singh highlighted the growth in defence production, which reached ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023-24. He expressed confidence that it will exceed ₹1.60 lakh crore by 2025-26. Defence exports, which hit a record ₹21,000 crore, are expected to surpass ₹30,000 crore.

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the purchase of the India-made Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) worth nearly ₹7,000 crore.

This marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in the defence sector.

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